In a quick rematch, West Platte earned a sweep to ensure no letdown in the KCI Conference meeting with East Buchanan.
The two teams have already played three times this year with the Bluejays now holding a 2-0-1 advantage after a 25-20, 27-25 sweep Thursday, Sept. 8 in Gower, Mo. They also won a nonconference meeting a week earlier but needed three sets to take that win.
Ciara Davies turned in back-to-back standout performances for West Platte (7-4-1) against the Bulldogs. After leading the Bluejays in kills during the first win, the junior added four blocks in the second victory. Jordan Schultz, a senior, led the attack with eight kills after struggling in the second meeting, which came just days after a split in the KCI Conference Tournament between the two teams.
East Buchanan struggled with serve receive in the previous meeting but allowed only four aces this time, including two for West Platte senior Nealie Niemeier.
West Platte’s four-match winning streak ended Monday, Sept. 12 in a loss to Northland Christian, the defending Class 1 District 15 champion.
West Platte 2, KC Christian 0
The Bluejays scored their biggest win of the season in a dominant 25-6, 25-8 performance Tuesday, Sept. 6 in Weston, Mo.
Daire Stelljes (five) and Niemeier (three) combined for eight of West Platte’s 14 service aces. Stats were spread out with coach Amber Guthrie going deep into her bench. Schultz recorded five kills, while senior setter Megan Kottman had eight assists.
Mound City triangular
North Platte split a pair of three-set thrillers Monday, Sept. 12 in Mound City, Mo. The Panthers improved to 2-14-1 overall and avenged a loss in the season opener.
Having lost to South Holt in August, North Platte came back to earn a 25-27, 25-22, 25-8 victory in a rematch, pulling away in the deciding set. McKenzie Brockhoff supplied nine kills, while senior setter Lauren Payne ended up with team-highs of 11 assists and nine digs.
North Platte lost the opener after taking the first set. Mound City rallied back and won 19-25, 26-24, 25-19. Brockhoff (eight kills, 14 digs) and Payne (12 assists) were again the top players for North Platte.
Lathrop Tournament
North Platte went winless in a trip to Lathrop, Mo. on Saturday, Sept. 10.
However, the youthful Panthers earned a split in pool play with Cameron (21-25, 25-22) and forced three sets in a loss to Orrick in their finale. The Bearcats came back for a 24-26, 25-19, 15-6 victory after North Platte took the opening set.
North Platte’s Kelsey Reynolds and Brockhoff finished with 17 kills apiece total in the six matches, while Payne had 34 assists. She also led the Panthers with 45 digs, and Brockhoff and Katie Sanders recorded 42 apiece.
Brockhoff and Payne tied for the team lead with seven service aces each.
Lathrop 2, North Platte 0
The Panthers dropped their KCI Conference opener Thursday, Sept. 8 in Lathrop, Mo. Brockhoff and Reynolds tallied four kills apiece, while Payne provided 10 assists in an encouraging offensive performance.
Sanders and Reynolds led North Platte with eight digs apiece.
Lone Jack 2, North Platte 0
Brockhoff finished with five kills in a 25-12, 25-17 loss Tuesday, Sept. 6 in Lone Jack, Mo. Reynolds led the defense with seven digs, while Payne notched three assists.